[Normal lymph node cross sections in different anatomic regions and their significance for computed tomographic...

In 102 patients, lymph node cross section measurements in different anatomic regions were taken from standard bipedal lymphograms without evidence of lymphatic disease. Corrections were made for geometric magnification due to anatomic changes in lymph node: film distances. In each region, the arithmetic mean, standard deviation, median value, Gaussian distribution, and 95% confidence limits were calculated. In 51 male patients (age range: 15 to 78 years) and 51 female patients (age range: 20 to 76 years), the following upper limits of normal lymph node cross section measurements were found: Retrocrural nodes - 7 mm, lumbar nodes - 10 mm, iliac lymph nodes - 12 mm, inguinal lymph nodes - up to 18 mm. The values obtained showed no statistically significant differences between male and female patients and between the right and left sides of the body. The problem of size as the only criterion of malignancy in computed tomography as well as in sonography of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes is discussed.